The Dinner Table

The dinner table.

A place where families talk,

supposedly.

But mine did not.

They said they wanted to hear

the clink of knives and forks.

My mother believed in the old adage:

"Children should be seen but not heard."

And so, our new family motto

became: "Throw it under the tree."

And the things long-buried

claw to the surface.

And my parents wonder

why they aren't pretty or polite.

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Burying emotions is never a wise idea. No, personal family problems do not have to be aired for everyone to see and hear, but to speak about them at the dinner table keeps the lines of communication open...and that is so important in familial relationships. Your feelings of anger are intense in this one. Well expressed. Lydi**

[Diana]

Thank you, Lydi.

[Rita L. Sev]

Your opening stanza made me sad; families get to know each other at the dinner table, share in each other's little defeats and triumphs. A reminder for us all as we head into this season of family feasts... Well penned.

[Diana]

Thank you again, Rita.

[Fiona C]

The Dinner Table. So few families even make use of them anymore. Such an intimate gathering of members to share and listen and so sad that it doesn't happen. Beautiful write Diana x

[Diana]

Sad, but true. Thanks again, Fiona.

[MAC]

what a nicely done personal piece....poetry was meant for releasing your emotions. excellent write

[Diana]

Thank you, Mark.

[MAC]

you are welcome Diana. :)

[Pryde Foltz]

No, we must communicate; learning to do it well is another poem. Good one. Diana.

[Diana]

Thank you, Pryde.

[Sami Khalil]

Bad things that happened within the family was swept under the rug so to speak and eventually they will resurface and have to be dealt with. That is my reading on this wonderful poem...:)......................

[Diana]

Exactly. Thank you, Sami.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. Good to know...You are welcome...:)...................